Research Methods- Self-report design Flashcards
Open questions -
Questions for which there is no fixed choice of response and respondents can answer in any way they wish; for example, why did you take up smoking?
Closed questions -
Questions for which there is a fixed choice of responses determined by the question setter; for example, do you smoke? (yes/no)
What is a Likert scale?
A Likert scale is a type of closed question where respondents indicate their agreement or disagreement with a statement using a scale, typically ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.”
What is an example of a Likert scale question?
“Zombie films are entertaining.”
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
What is a rating scale?
A rating scale asks respondents to identify a value that represents their strength of feeling about a topic, often using a numerical scale.
What is an example of a rating scale question?
“How entertaining do you find zombie films? (Circle the number that applies to you)”
1 (Very entertaining) to 5 (Not at all entertaining).
What is a fixed-choice option?
A fixed-choice option provides a list of possible responses, and respondents select all that apply to them.
What is an example of a fixed-choice option question?
“For what reasons do you watch zombie films? (Tick all that apply)”
- Entertainment
- To escape
- To be frightened
- Amusement
- Education
- To please others
What is an interview schedule?
An interview schedule is a standardized list of questions that the interviewer intends to cover during the interview to reduce interviewer bias.
How should interviews typically be conducted?
Interviews should be conducted in a quiet, private room to encourage openness, begin with neutral questions to establish rapport, and remind participants of confidentiality.
What is a common error in question design?
Overuse of jargon, which can confuse respondents unfamiliar with technical terms.
What is an example of a question with jargon?
“Do you agree that maternal deprivation in infanthood inevitably leads to affectionless psychopathy in later life?”
What is emotive language in question design?
Emotive language uses words or phrases that evoke strong emotions, potentially biasing responses.
What is an example of a question with emotive language?
“Boxing is a barbaric sport and any sane person would want it banned.”
What is a leading question?
A leading question guides respondents toward a particular answer, often by making assumptions.
What is an example of a leading question?
“Is it not obvious that student fees should be abolished?”
What is a double-barrelled question?
A double-barrelled question combines two questions into one, making it difficult for respondents to answer if they agree with only one part.
What is an example of a double-barrelled question?
“Do you agree that Premier League footballers are overpaid and should give twenty per cent of their wages to charity?”
What is a double negative in question design?
A double negative uses two negative terms in a question, making it confusing for respondents to interpret.
What is an example of a double negative question?
“I am not unhappy in my job (agree/disagree).”
How can double negatives be avoided in questions?
By rephrasing the question clearly, such as “I am happy in my job (agree/disagree).”
What is the importance of clarity in question design?
Clear questions ensure respondents understand what is being asked, improving the quality and accuracy of their responses.
What is a strength of using Likert scales?
They provide quantitative data that is easy to analyze and compare across respondents.
What is a limitation of fixed-choice options?
They may limit respondents’ ability to express nuanced or detailed answers, reducing the depth of the data.
What is a strength of rating scales?
They allow respondents to indicate the intensity of their feelings, providing more detailed quantitative data.
What is a limitation of leading questions?
They can bias responses by suggesting a preferred answer, reducing the validity of the data.
What is a strength of structured interviews?
They are standardized, making them easy to replicate and reducing differences between interviewers.
What is a limitation of unstructured interviews?
They can be difficult to analyze due to the lack of structure and potential for irrelevant information.
What is a strength of semi-structured interviews?
They combine the consistency of structured questions with the flexibility to explore interesting points, balancing depth and standardization.
What is a limitation of double-barrelled questions?
They can confuse respondents if they agree with only one part of the question, leading to inaccurate responses.
What is a strength of avoiding jargon in questions?
It ensures questions are accessible and easily understood by all respondents, improving response quality.
What is a limitation of emotive language in questions?
It can bias responses by evoking strong emotions, reducing the objectivity of the data.
What is a strength of using neutral questions in interviews?
They help establish rapport and make participants feel comfortable, encouraging honest and open responses.
What is a limitation of fixed-choice options in questionnaires?
They may not capture the full range of respondents’ opinions, limiting the depth of the data.
What is a strength of using clear, simple questions?
They reduce confusion and ensure respondents provide accurate and meaningful answers.
What is a limitation of double negatives in questions?
They can make questions difficult to understand, leading to unreliable or invalid responses.
